RFU Action Plan To Grow Female Player Base To 50k By 2021

14 November 2017

England Rugby has launched the women and girls action plan for the next four years this week looking to grow participation from 25,000 to 50,000 by 2021. Coincidentally, the RFU have also reached a squad and match fee agreement with women international players for the first time after full-time terms ended after the World Cup this summer.

The action plan is part of the RFU's overarching strategic plan and funding agreement with Sport England. It recognises the significant growth in the female game over the last four years and sets out a plan for the next four years to continue to grow the number of women and girls engaging in rugby.

The plan’s ambition is to get more women playing more often. It includes proposals to grow playing numbers, improve the opportunities to play, ensure that those with talent can progress, increase the numbers of females engaging in coaching, refereeing and volunteering and improve the female-friendliness of rugby facilities.

Since 2013 the number of women and girls enjoying contact rugby in England has increased by over 10,000, as a result of campaigns including Pitch up and Play and Inner Warrior.

This surge in popularity has seen 300 rugby clubs across England providing playing opportunities for more than 25,000 women and girls each season. There are currently 512 women and girls teams in England and 27,500 existing players.

By 2021 the RFU wants to grow these numbers, engaging 100,000 females in rugby and converting 25,000 of